Passageway to board and deplane an airplane

ABSTRACT

Passageway including a section that is extendable and retractable, the section including frame, slide track assemblies, and scissor bar assembly. The frame includes upright members on a first side of the frame. The slide track assemblies are disposed proximately to the upright members. Each of the slide track assemblies includes a slide track and a slide block. The slide track has a cavity and a channel. The slide block can ascend, descend, and rotate within the cavity. The slide block includes a guide block that extends from the slide block through the channel. The scissor bar assembly is secured to the upright members and slide blocks of the slide track assemblies such that the upright members are enabled to extend and retract with respect to each other along an arcuate path, wherein the guide block limits rotation of the slide block to rotation of the guide block within the channel.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.15/200,466, filed on Jul. 1, 2016, which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 62/188,032, filed on Jul. 2, 2015,both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND Field

The present application relates to airplane boarding and deplaningsystems. More specifically, the present application is directed to apassageway to board and deplane an airplane.

Brief Discussion of Related Art

Boarding bridges, also known as loading bridges or jet bridges, aresecond-level bridges that enable passengers to board an airplane from agate of an airport terminal and disembark (or deplane) the airplane tothe gate. These boarding bridges generally have retractable telescopingdesigns, which allow the boarding bridges to retract and extend (ortelescope) to desired lengths in order to couple or interface witharriving and/or departing airplanes. These tend to be largerairplanes—generally having doorsill heights between about six feet andabout sixteen feet—which can be boarded and deplaned at the second-levelusing the boarding bridges.

While such boarding bridges allow for safe and efficient boarding anddeplaning at the second-level height, these boarding bridges are notused for smaller airplanes (e.g., regional airplanes), as such airplanesgenerally have doorsill heights that are below six feet. Accordingly,the boarding bridges cannot interface with such low doorsill airplanes.Such airplanes generally have retractable stairways, which allowboarding and deplaning to the airport apron or tarmac.

In the case of smaller airplanes, airports generally employ ground-levelpassageways, which permit safe and efficient boarding and deplaning atthe ground-level (e.g., airport apron or tarmac) to a ground-levelentrance to the gate of the airport terminal. The airplane generallyparks a certain distance from the airport terminal, the passageway isextended from the ground-level entrance of the second-level gate to thestairway of the airplane, allowing passengers to board and deplane theairplane using the passageway and the stairway. At the entrance to thegate, passengers similarly climb a staircase in order to enter thesecond-level airport terminal. Accordingly, the passageway providessafety and security to passengers between the airplane and the gate,without exposure to outside weather.

In general, a ground-level passageway has multiple sections that extendto provide a covered walkway between the gate and the airplane. Becauseairplanes can be positioned on the apron or tarmac at differentdistances and orientations with respect to the gate, the sections ofpassageway must be able to extend and retract to various distances andalong various arcs or paths in order to couple or interface witharriving and/or departing airplanes. After conclusion of boarding ordeplaning, the multiple sections of the extended passageway should beable to be retracted for stowing.

Over time with multiplicity of extensions-retraction cycles, thepassageway can be subject to malfunction. One problem is the alignmentof the multiple sections when the passageway is retracted. If thesections are misaligned during retraction, the extension mechanisms ofthe sections (e.g., scissor-bars) can be damaged (e.g., bent). When suchdamage occurs, it may not be possible to extend the passageway in adesired arc or path to couple or interface with arriving and/ordeparting airplanes. Another problem is that the misalignment can causethe extension mechanisms of the sections to jam or bind (e.g.,scissor-bars jammed in a slide track), and contributes to the inabilityto retract the passageway to desired shape and/or position, which overtime can become progressively worse. Yet another problem is theconstruction of the canopy section that can allow the multiple sectionsto flex, which can exacerbate the foregoing alignment problems.

It is therefore desirable to provide a passageway that can mitigate theforegoing alignment problems over multiplicity of extensions-retractioncycles, permitting extension along various paths to interface witharriving/departing airplanes, and permitting retraction for stowing.

SUMMARY

There is provided a passageway that includes a plurality of sections,the sections including at least one section that is extendable andretractable. The at least one section includes a frame structure, a pairof slide track assemblies, and a scissor bar assembly.

The frame structure includes a pair of upright members on a first sideof the frame structure.

The pair of slide track assemblies are disposed proximately to therespective pair of the upright members on the first side of the framestructure. Each of the slide track assemblies includes a slide track anda slide block. The slide track has a cavity and a channel. The slideblock is configured to ascend, descend, and rotate within the cavity.The slide block includes a guide block that extends from the slide blockat least partially through the channel.

The scissor bar assembly is rotatably and pivotably secured to the pairof upright members and secured pivotably to slide blocks of the pair ofslide track assemblies such that the pair of upright members is enabledto extend and retract with respect to each other along at least onearcuate path of the passageway, wherein the guide block limits rotationof the slide block within the slide track to rotation of the guide blockwithin the channel.

In some embodiments or aspects, the slide track can be defined by a backwall, perpendicular sidewalls, and angled sidewalls. The angledsidewalls can extend toward each other from the perpendicular sidewallsto define the channel. Moreover, the slide block can have a generallyround cross-section.

In some embodiments or aspects, the slide block can include an alignmentguide block. The alignment guide block includes an arm and the guideblock. The arm can be secured within the channel of the slide block, andthe guide block can be secured to the aim.

In some embodiment or aspects, the scissor bar assembly can include atleast one scissor bar, which includes a first connector and a secondconnector. The first connector can be secured pivotably within thechannel of the slide block, while the second connector can be securedrotatably and pivotably to an upright member.

In some embodiments or aspects, a connection device can be provided tosecure the second connector rotatably and pivotably to the uprightmember. The connection device can include a lock nut having a domed endabout which the second connector rotates and pivots in relation to theupright member.

In some embodiment or aspects, the pair of upright members can include apair of reciprocally mating members. The reciprocal mating members caninclude a first mating member and a second mating member. The firstmating member can include a back, flared sides, and an arcuate receivingrecess, while the second mating member can include a back, flared sides,and an arcuate protrusion, wherein the arcuate protrusion is enabled toalign with the arcuate receiving recess. Moreover, the second matingmember can include a band that extends at least partially along thearcuate protrusion, wherein the band is enabled to interface with thearcuate receiving recess. A pair of wheel assemblies can be secured tothe reciprocal mating members.

In some embodiment or aspects, the frame structure can include a secondpair of upright members on a second side of the frame structure, and anarch member secured to an upright member of the pair and an uprightmember of the second pair. The arch member can include a plurality ofcurved sections and a plurality of corresponding notched sections. Thecurved sections can extend along a top portion of the arch member andthe notched sections can extend along a bottom portion of the archmember, wherein the notched sections are welded to provide stiffness tothe arch member and mitigate splay of the upright member of the pairwith respect to the upright member of the second pair.

In some embodiment or aspects, the at least one section can include acanopy, wherein the material of the canopy can be translucent or opaque.The canopy can also include one or more sections, wherein the materialof at least one of the sections is translucent or opaque.

In some embodiment or aspects, the at least one section of thepassageway can include a curtain assembly secured to the pair of uprightmembers, wherein the curtain assembly is extendable and retractable withextension and retraction of the pair of upright members.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Some embodiments are illustrated by way of example and not limitation inthe figures of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates example sections of a passageway for boarding anddeplaning an airplane;

FIGS. 2A-2G illustrate an example frame structure of a section of thepassageway illustrated in FIG. 1, without the curtain assembly andcanopy as illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 illustrates example upright frame members of the frame structureas illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B;

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate example construction of a top portion of anupright member as illustrated in FIG. 3 of the frame structure 206 asillustrated in FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2G;

FIGS. 5A-5C illustrate an example arch frame member of the frame membersas illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B;

FIG. 6 illustrates an example scissor bar assembly as illustrated inFIGS. 1-2B;

FIG. 7 illustrates example caster-wheel assemblies of the passagewayillustrated in FIGS. 1-2B;

FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate an example slide track assembly illustrated inFIGS. 1-2B;

FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate an example passageway that is extendedalong several example paths in accordance with FIGS. 1-9;

FIGS. 11A-11C illustrate an example passageway that is extended alongseveral example paths for boarding/deplaning an airplane and/or avessel, and further retracted to an example aligned path for stowing inaccordance with FIGS. 1-10B; and

FIGS. 12A-12D illustrate example operation of the passageway extendedalong several example paths between an airport terminal and an airplanefor boarding and deplaning according to FIGS. 1-11C.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Disclosed hereinafter is a passageway to board and deplane an airplane,as well as to embark and disembark a vessel (e.g., cruise ship), whichmitigates alignment problems over multiplicity of extensions-retractioncycles, permitting extension along various paths to interface witharriving/departing airplanes and vessels, as well as permittingretraction for stowing. In the following description, for the purposesof explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order toprovide a thorough understanding of particular embodiments. It will beevident to one skilled in the art, however, that certain embodiments maybe practiced without these specific details.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example portion 100 of a passageway for boardingand deplaning an airplane. The passageway and its operation will bedescribed in greater detail with reference to FIGS. 10A-12D.

The portion 100 of the passageway as illustrated in FIG. 1 includesthree example sections 102-106. However, it should be noted that thepassageway can include a plurality of sections based on the distance tobe spanned between the gate of the terminal and the arriving/departingairplane, as well as based on the arcuate path to be achieved ininterfacing with the airplane. A passageway will typically include adozen or more connectable sections, such as sections 102-106.

The sections 102-106 are extendable and retractable. As illustrated inFIG. 1, section 102 is retracted and sections 104, 106 are extended.While an example construction of a section will be described in greaterdetail with reference to FIGS. 2A-9, it is worth noting here that thesections 102-106 include elements that enable them to extend alongstraight and arcuate (curved) paths into various extendedconfigurations, as well as to retract therefrom for stowing into aretracted configuration that is aligned.

Each of the sections 102-106 includes caster wheel assemblies 108,curtain assemblies 110, scissor bar assemblies 114, and canopy 116.

The caster wheel assemblies 108 enable the sections 102-106 to extend instraight and arcuate path configurations, as well as to retract into analigned configuration for stowing. As will be described in greaterdetail with reference to FIGS. 2A and 2C, the caster wheel assemblies108 are disposed at the bottom corners of each section and facilitatemovement of the sections 102-106 between the gate of the terminal andthe airplane. Moreover, opposing caster wheel assemblies 108 of asection have reciprocal mating plates that enable alignment of thesections 102-106 during retraction of the passageway, as illustrated inFIGS. 2A-2D and 11C.

The curtain assemblies 110 are extendable and retractable with thesections 102-106. The curtain assemblies 110 include material 112 (e.g.,vinyl, nylon, another durable/weather-impermeable material, or acombination of durable/weather-impermeable materials) that preventsweather (e.g., rain, snow, sun) from entering the passageway, while opensections (above and below the curtain assemblies) allow light topenetrate into the passageway. It should be noted that the material canbe translucent, also allowing light to penetrate while preventingweather from entering the passageway. Moreover, various sections of thecurtain assemblies 110 can be opaque or translucent, as may be desiredfor certain locations or implementations.

The scissor bar assemblies 114 enable the sections 102-106 to extend andretract. As will be described in greater detail with reference to FIGS.2A, 2B, 2F, and 6, the scissor bar assemblies 114 are disposed at thesides of each section and facilitate extension and retraction of thesections 102-106 between the gate of the terminal and the airplane.

The canopy 116 of each of the sections 102-106 includes a material(e.g., vinyl, nylon, another durable/weather-impermeable material, or acombination of durable/weather-impermeable materials) to mitigate theeffects of weather (e.g., sun, rain, snow). The material of the canopy116 is secured to the sections 102-106, such as using hook-and-loop(e.g., Velcro) strips, other securing mechanisms (e.g., snap fasteners),or a combination of securing mechanisms. It should be noted that thematerial of the canopy 116 can be translucent, allowing light topenetrate while preventing weather from entering the passageway.Moreover, various sections of canopy 116 can be opaque or translucent,as may be desired for certain locations or implementations.

FIGS. 2A-2G illustrate an example frame structure 202 of section 106 ofthe passageway illustrated in FIG. 1, without the curtain assembly 110and canopy 116 as illustrated in FIG. 1. The same or similarconstruction is applicable to others sections of the passageway, such assections 102, 104 as illustrated in FIG. 1. Moreover, FIGS. 2A and 2Billustrate extension of the passageway along several example paths.

The frame structure 202 includes two opposing frame members 204, 206.The frame members 204, 206 generally have a tubular structure (e.g.,square cross-section). It should be noted that the cross-section of theframe members can vary. Each of the frame members 204, 206 includesopposing upright members 208, 210, and an arch frame member 212 thatconnects the upright members 208, 210 at their top via connectiondevices 234 (e.g., brackets and nuts/bolts) as illustrated in FIGS. 2Gand 4A, forming upside-down u-shaped frame members 204, 206. Theconstruction of the upright members 208, 210 will be described ingreater detail with reference to FIG. 3, while the construction of thearch frame members 212 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5A-5C.The connection device 234 will be described in greater detail withreference to FIG. 4.

Moreover, the upright members 208, 210 of the frame members 204, 206 areconnected at their bottoms to reciprocal mating members 209, 211, whichenable alignment of the sections 102-106 during retraction. Asillustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the frame member 204 includes matingmembers 211, 209, and the frame member 206 includes mating members 209,211. In some embodiments, it is possible that frame member 204 includesmating members 211, 211, and frame member 206 includes mating members209, 209. In other embodiments, it is similarly possible that framemember 204 includes mating members 209, 209, and the frame member 206includes mating members 211, 211.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2C and 2D, the reciprocal mating members 209,211 (FIG. 2C) and the reciprocal mating members 211, 209 (FIG. 2D) ofexample section 104 enable the alignment of section 104 duringretraction of the passageway. The other sections of the passageway, suchas sections 102, 106 can be similarly aligned during the retraction ofthe passageway.

Two opposing scissor bar assemblies 114 connect the opposing framemembers 204, 206 along sides of the upright members 208, 210 viaconnection devices 236 as illustrated in FIG. 2G. The connection device236 and associated connections will be described in greater detail withreference to FIGS. 4A and 4B. Each of the scissor bar assemblies 114includes scissor bars 214, 216 that are connected using a connectiondevice 232 (e.g., nut/bolt), as illustrated in FIG. 2F.

As further illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the top ends of the scissorbars 214, 216 are rotatably and pivotably secured to a top section ofthe upright members 210, 210 of the respective frame members 204, 206.In addition, the bottom ends of the scissor bars 214, 216 are rotatablyand slideably secured along a bottom section of the respective framemembers 204, 206 to slide track assemblies 218, 220. It is noted thatthe same or similar construction and connection of the scissor barassemblies 114 are used on both sides of the section 106, as well as onthe other sections of the passageway, such as sections 102, 104, formingthe extendable and retractable passageway as illustrated in FIG. 1. Thispassageway construction thus allows the scissor bars 214, 216 toarticulate with respect to top and bottom sections of the uprightmembers 208, 210 of the opposing frame members 204, 206, duringextension of the passageway along various paths and retraction of thepassageway for aligned stowing.

Moreover, the construction of the scissor bar assemblies 114 will bedescribed in greater detail with reference to FIG. 6 and connection ofthe scissor bar assemblies 114 to the upright members 210, 210(similarly to upright members 208, 208) will be described in greaterdetail with reference to FIGS. 4A and 4B. Moreover, the construction ofthe slide track assemblies 218, 220 and the connection of the scissorbar assemblies 114 to the slide track assemblies 218, 220 will bedescribed in greater detail with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9.

Mating connector blocks 222 are provided at several locations (e.g., topand bottom) along the height of the upright members 208, 208 and uprightmembers 210, 210 of respective sections to enable connection of thesesections in order to form a continuous passageway that includes multiplesections, such as sections 102-106. This connectivity enables theaddition of sections to, and the elimination of sections from, thepassageway. For example, connector block 224 is provided along a firstposition of an upright member 210 of the section 104, while connectorblock 226 is provided along a second position of an upright member 210of the section 106, as illustrated in FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2E. The firstand second positions enable the connector blocks 224, 226 to mate suchthat openings 228 overlap, which allows the pin 230 to extend throughthe openings 228, connecting the sections 104, 106 of the passageway. Itis noted that the same or similar connector block construction andconnection can be used on both sides of the sections 104, 106, along theheights of the upright members 208, 208 and upright members 210, 210, aswell as on the other sections of the passageway. The construction of themating connectors 222 will be described in greater detail hereinbelowwith reference to FIG. 3.

It should also be noted that the connector blocks 224, 226 of adjacentsections of the passageway, such as sections 104 and 106, are disposedat slightly different heights in order to facilitate mating of theconnector blocks 224, 226, such that the openings 228 overlap in orderto receive the pin 230.

As illustrated in FIG. 2G, mirror-image brackets 238 are secured to theupright members 210, 210 of frame structure 202 in order to connect andsupport the extendable/retractable curtain assemblies 110, as will bedescribed in greater detail hereinbelow with reference to FIG. 4A.

FIG. 3 illustrates example upright members 210, 210 of the framestructure 202 as illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B. The upright members210, 210 are of generally tubular construction (e.g., squarecross-section). It should be noted that the cross-section of the uprightmembers can vary.

Pairs of brackets 301, 303 are secured (e.g., welded) to the top of theupright members 210, 210, forming openings that receive the arch framemembers 212. The pairs of brackets 301, 303 include apertures 304, 306,which receive bolts through the pairs of brackets 301, 303 in order tosecure the arch frame members 212. The apertures 306 are countersunk onthe exterior brackets of the pairs of brackets 301, 303, e.g., exteriorside of the frame members 204, 206, allowing heads of the bolts to bedisposed flush with the brackets, as illustrated in FIGS. 2G and 4A.Openings 308 are provided to receive bolts in order to secure the endsof the scissor bars 214, 216, as illustrated in FIGS. 2G-4B.

A pair of notches 310 is provided along the height of each of theupright members 210, 210 of respective frame members 204, 206 to receiveprojections 309 of the connector blocks 224, 226, such that precisepositioning can be provided in order to secure (e.g., weld) theconnector blocks 224, 226 with respect to the upright members 210, 210.The same or similar notches are provided along the height of the otherupright members 208, 208 of the respective frame members 204, 206.

The mating members 209, 211 are secured (e.g., welded) to the bottom ofthe upright members 210, 210 of the respective frame members 204, 206.In particular, the mating member 211 of the frame member 206 isgenerally a planar plate that includes a straight back 311, flared sides312, and an arcuate receiving front recess 314, extending between theflared sides 312. It is noted that this upright member 210 is securedtoward one side of the flared sides 312, such that slide track assembly220 can be secured (e.g., welded) to the mating member 211 and theupright member 210, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B. While the straight back311 enables the different sections of the passageway to be secured toone another as closely as possible using connector blocks 224, 226 andpin 230, the front recess 314 of the mating member 211 provides a widereceiver in order to receive a vertical band 320 of the reciprocalmating member 209 of the frame member 204 during retraction, whichprovides for alignment of the passageway in the retracted configuration.

Moreover, the mating member 209 of the upright member 204 is generally aplanar plate that includes a straight back 311, flared sides 312, anarcuate protrusion 318, extending between the flared sides 312, insteadof the accurate recess 314. The arcuate protrusion 318 includes avertical band 320 about the exterior of the arcuate protrusion 318. Theband 320 prevents the mating members 209, 211 of the respective framemembers 204, 206 from riding over one another, and the band 320 canfurther absorb force and allow sections to slide one with respect toanother, as the sections collide during retraction of the passageway.The band 320 can be integrally formed with the mating member 209, or canbe secured to the mating member 209. The band 320 can be made of ametal, plastic, rubber, Teflon, or combination of materials, which canabsorb force and mitigate friction (allow sliding), as sections areretracted for stowing.

The upright members 208, 208 of the frame members 204, 206 are generallyof the same or similar mirror-image construction to the upright members210, 210 of the frame members 204, 206. Specifically, the apertures 304,306 are reversed with respect to the brackets 301, 303, such thatapertures 304 are on the interior of the brackets 301, 303, withcountersunk apertures 306 being on the exterior of the exterior brackets301, 303, e.g., the exterior side of the frame members 204, 206.Moreover, mirror-image notches 310 are provided on the exterior side ofthe upright members 208, 208.

Moreover, the mating members 211, 209 on one side are similar to themating members 209, 211 on the other side of the frame structure 202,except that the upright members 208, 208 are secured toward the otherside of the flared sides 312, such that slide track assemblies 218, 220can be secured (e.g., welded) to the mating members 211, 209 and theupright member 208, 208, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B. Moreover, themating members 209, 211 of upright members 210, 210 of the frame members204, 206, as well as the mating members 211, 209 of upright members 208,208 of the frame members 204, 206, include apertures 316 to secure thecaster wheel assemblies 108 (e.g., using nuts/bolts), as illustrated inFIGS. 1-2D.

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate example construction of a top portion of theupright member 210 illustrated in FIG. 3 of the frame member 206 asillustrated in FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2G. Moreover, FIG. 4A illustrates anexploded view of the components included in the construction illustratedin FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2G, while FIG. 4B illustrates an examplecross-section of the construction illustrated in FIG. 2B.

A bracket 238 is secured to the upright member 210 of the frame member206 using bolts 404 secured through openings 403 along at least aportion of the height of upright member 210. A similar bracket (e.g.,mirror image bracket) 238 is secured similarly to the upright member 210of the frame member 204. The brackets 238 of the frame members 204, 206support the extendable/retractable curtain assemblies 110. Morespecifically, the brackets 238 of the frame structures 204, 206 haveextensions 402 (e.g., L-shaped extensions) configured to receiverespectively a take-up roller 401 and a similar rod (not shown) to whichthe material 112 of the curtain assemblies 110 is secured, such that thecurtain assemblies 110 extend and retract with the extension and theretraction of the sections 102-106. It is noted that both sides of thecurtain assemblies 110 can be secured to take-up rollers, such astake-up roller 401.

The end of the scissor bar 216 is secured to the upright member 210using the connection device 236. The connection device 236 can include abolt 406, washer 408, locking tension washer 412, lock nut 414 (having adomed end), bushing 416, lock nut 418 (having ridges), and cotter pin420. The bolt 406 is inserted through the washer 408 and an aperture(not shown) on a first side of upright member 210, exiting through theaperture 308 on the other side of the upright member 210. The lockingtension washer 412 and nut 414 are secured onto the bolt 406, to holdthe bolt in place with respect to the upright member 210.

The aperture 415 of the scissor bar 216 receives bushing 416, which fitsover the domed end of the nut 414. The bushing 416 can be made ofbronze, or another material. Thereafter, the lock nut 418 is securedonto the bolt 406 and the cotter pin 420 is inserted though opening 410in the bolt 406 and between ridges of the lock nut 418. With thisconstruction, the scissor bar 216 is provided with some play, such thatthe scissor bar 216 can rotate about the bolt 406 as well as pivot aboutthe domed end of the lock nut 414, during curved extension of thepassageway along various paths and also retraction of the passageway foraligned stowing.

The arch frame member 212 is secured to the upright member 210 usingconnection devices 234. A connection device 234 can include a pair ofbrackets 303, bolts 422, washer 424, locking tension washer 426, andlock nut 428. More specifically, the arch frame member 212 is disposedbetween the pair of brackets 303, and is secured using the bolts 422,washer 424, locking tension washer 426, and lock nut 428. The heads 423of the bolts 422 are disposed in the countersunk apertures 306 and flushwith the exterior bracket of the pair of brackets 303.

FIGS. 5A-5C illustrate an example arch frame member 212 of the framemembers 204, 206 as illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B. As illustrated, thearch frame member 212 is fabricated by bending (curving) outer centersection 503 and outer corner sections 504 along the top of the archmember 212, and by notching inner center section 505 and inner cornersections 506 along the bottom of the arch frame member 212, formingupright sections 502.

The notched sections 505, 506 are welded to provide stiffness to thearch frame member 212, resulting in stiffness of the frame members 204,206 of the passageway section 106. This is important as it allowsaligned extension and retraction of the passageway because thismitigates the splaying out of the upright members 208, 210 from eachother during operation of the passageway.

As further illustrated, the upright sections 502 of the arch framemember 212 have openings 508, 510 that receive bolts 422 in order tosecure the arch frame member 212 to the brackets 301, 303 of the uprightmembers 208, 210.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example scissor bar assembly 114 illustrated inFIGS. 1-2B. The scissor bar assembly 114 includes scissor bars 214, 216.The scissor bars 214, 216 are of similar construction. Accordingly, onlyscissor bar 216 is described in detail.

The scissor bar 216 includes a body 601 and a pair of connectors 616.The body 601 includes flat sections 602, 604, 610, and angled sections606, 608. The angled sections 606, 608 allow section 610 to be recessedin relation to the section 602, 604. The pair of connectors 616 extendsfrom the sections 602, 604 and includes apertures 415.

The recessed section 610 of scissor bar 216 is mated with the reciprocalrecessed section of the scissor bar 214, which is of similarconstruction. The scissor bars 214, 216 can be made ofhot-rolled-pickled-oiled (HRPO) steel that is hot dipped and galvanized.Moreover, the scissor bars 214, 216 can be ¾″ in height by 1½″ wide. Theforegoing construction and materials provide a resilient scissor barassembly 114, which can flex and/or deflect during arcuate extension ofthe section and/or passageway, and which can further return to itsoriginal state with retraction of the section and/or passageway.

The scissor bars 214, 216 are secured using the connection device 232.The connection device 232 can include a bolt 620, washers 622, 630,bushings 624, 628, and lock nut 632. The bushings 622, 628 can be madeof bronze, another material, or a combination of materials. A washer 626(e.g., Teflon, another material, or combination of materials) isprovided between the scissor bars 214, 216 in order to reduce frictionamong the scissor bars 214, 216. The washer 626 can be made of any othermaterial or a combination of materials.

FIG. 7 illustrates example caster-wheel assemblies 108 of the passagewayillustrated in FIGS. 1-2B. Each of the caster-wheel assemblies 108includes a connector plate 702, wheel bracket 704, connector member 706,and wheel 708. The connector plate 702 secures the caster-wheelassemblies 108 using one or more connectors 703 (e.g., bolt/nutcombinations) to the mating members 209, 211 of the frame members 204,206. The wheel bracket 704 secures the wheel 708 of the caster-wheelassemblies 108 using the connector member 706 (e.g., bolt, pin, etc.).

The slide track assemblies 218, 220 include multiple openings 710 alongtheir height to receive pins 712 in order to secure the scissor barassembly 114 in a certain configuration, which can be the retractedconfiguration (as illustrated in FIGS. 2C and 2D), the extendedconfiguration (as illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B), or an intermediateconfiguration between the retracted and extended configurations (notshown).

FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate an example slide track assembly 220 illustratedin FIGS. 1-2B. The slide track assembly 220 includes a slide track 802,and a slide block 814. As illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the slidetrack assembly 220 is disposed atop the mating member 211, proximatelyto the upright member 210 of the frame member 206. Similarly, the slidetrack assembly 218 is disposed atop the mating member 209, proximatelyto the upright member of the frame member 204, as also illustrated inFIGS. 2A and 2B.

The slide track 802 includes a cavity 804, channel 806, and cover (orcap) 808. The slide track 802 can be made of stainless steel, anothermaterial, or a combination of materials.

The slide block 814 is generally of a round cross section. Moreover, theslide block 814 can slide (e.g., ascend and descend) within the cavity804 and can also rotate within the cavity 804, while the connector 616of the scissor bar 214 can extend through and slide (ascend and descend)in the channel 806. The slide block 814 can be made of Teflon tomitigate friction. Similarly with respect to the slide track assembly218, a slide block (not shown) can slide within a slide track (notshown), while connector 616 of the scissor bar 216 can extend throughand slide (ascend and descend) in a channel (not shown) of the slidetrack assembly 218. This allows the scissor bar assemblies 114 on bothsides of the passageway sections 102-106 to extended and retract, whichin turn allows the sections 102-106 to extend and retract.

The cover 808 is secured to the slide track 802 using a connector, suchas bolt 810 and lock nut 812. The cover 808 limits the top extent of theslide block 814 within the cavity 804, while the mating member 211limits the bottom extent of the slide block 814 within the cavity 804.

The slide block 814 includes a channel 816, aperture 818, shoulder bolt820, alignment guide block 822, and aperture 824. The slide block 814can be made of Teflon in order to reduce friction and provide sliding,or can be made of another material, or a combination of materials. Theconnector 616 of the scissor bar 214 is secured to the slide block 814using the shoulder bolt 820 extended through the aperture 818. Moreover,the channel 816 allows the connector 616 of the scissor bar 216 to pivotwithin the channel 816 about an axis of the aperture 818, e.g., aboutthe shoulder bolt 820 extended through the aperture 818.

The alignment guide block 822 is secured within the channel 816 of theslide block 814, and extends through the channel 806 of the slide track802 to the outside of the slide track assembly 220. The alignment guideblock 822 can be made of Teflon in order to reduce friction and providesliding, or can be made of another material, or a combination ofmaterials. The alignment guide block 822 limits the rotation (e.g.,side-to-side) of the slide block 814 within the cavity 804, and preventsthe scissor bar 214 from contacting edges of the channel 806, whichmitigates jamming or binding of the scissor bar 214 with respect to theslide track 802.

The aperture 824 allows the receipt of the pin 712 through the aperture824 and the opening 710 along the upright member 210 in order to fixateor secure the height of the slide block 814 within the slide track 802,as illustrated in FIG. 7.

As particularly illustrated in FIG. 9, the slide track 802 is defined byplanar back 902 and perpendicular sidewalls 904, 906. Moreover, thechannel 806 of the slide track 802 is defined by angled sidewalls 908,910 extending from the sidewalls 904, 906. The alignment guide block 822includes an arm 912 and a guide block 914. The arm 912 is secured withinthe channel 816 and extends toward the channel 806, while the guideblock 914 extends through the channel 806 at least partially to theexterior of the slide track 802, such that rotational movement of theslide block 814 (left-to-right, or right-to-left) causes the guide block914 to engage or contact the angled sidewalls 908, 910, respectively,thus limiting the rotational movement of the guide block 914 as well asslide block 814, and preventing the scissor bar 214 from engaging orcontacting the angled sidewalls 908, 910.

FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate an example passageway 1000 that is extendedalong several example paths 1001, 1003 in accordance with FIGS. 1-9. Thepassageway 1000 includes a gate section 1002, plurality of sections1006, airplane section 1008, and canopy 1010.

The gate section 1002 is generally positioned proximately to the gate ofthe terminal, providing an entry 1004 to the passageway 1000. The gatesection 1002 can abut, connect, or can otherwise be secured to the gate.The airplane section 1008 is generally positioned proximately theairplane stairway, providing an exit 1012 from the passageway 1000 tothe airplane. The airplane section 1008 can be provided with the canopy1010 that can extend from the airplane section 1008 and overhangs thestairway of the airplane in order to protect passengers from weatherelements, e.g., sun, rain, snow, etcetera.

The sections 1006 are extendable and retractable, as described withreference to the sections 102-106 illustrated in FIGS. 1-9. Motorizedground equipment 1014 can be used to extend and retract the passageway1000 having a certain number of sections 1006. As particularlyillustrated in FIGS. 10A and 10B, the passageway 1000 is extended alongarcuate paths 1001, 1003. Similarly, the passageway 1000 can be extendedalong a multiplicity of other arcuate paths as well as generallystraight path, as may be necessary to mate with the arriving/departingairplanes parked at various locations in relation to the gate of theterminal. The passageway 1000 can be retracted for stowing, as describedwith reference to FIGS. 1-9.

FIGS. 11A-11C illustrate an example passageway that is extended alongseveral example paths 1101, 1103 for boarding/deplaning an airplane 1106and/or vessel 1116, and further retracted to an example aligned path forstowing in accordance with FIGS. 1-10B.

The passageway 1000 includes a gate section 1002, plurality of sections1006, airplane section 1008, and canopy 1010, as described hereinabovewith reference to FIGS. 10A and 10B. For clarity and brevity of thisdescription, the airplane section 1008 can also be referenced as avessel section with reference to FIG. 11B.

As illustrated in FIG. 11A, the gate section 1002 is positionedproximately the entrance to the gate 1102 of the airport terminal 1104,providing the entry 1004 to the passageway 1000. The passageway 1000 isextended over an airport apron 1108 along an arcuate path 1101, suchthat the airplane section 1008 is positioned proximately an airplanestairway 1110, providing the exit 1012 from the passageway 1000 to theairplane 1106. The canopy 1010 extends from the airplane section 1008and overhangs the stairway 1110 of the airplane 1106 in order to protectpassengers from the weather elements.

As illustrated in FIG. 11B, the gate section 1002 is positionedproximately the entrance to the gate 1112 of the seaport terminal 1114,providing the entry 1004 to the passageway 1000. The passageway 1000 isextended over a pier surface 1118 along an arcuate path 1103, such thatthe vessel section 1008 is positioned proximately a vessel gangway 1120,providing the exit 1012 from the passageway 1000 to the vessel 1116. Thecanopy 1010 extends from the vessel section 1008 and overhangs thevessel gangway 1120 of the vessel 1116 in order to protect passengersfrom the weather elements.

As illustrated in FIGS. 11A-11C, the sections 1006 are extendable andretractable, as described with reference to the sections 102-106illustrated in FIGS. 1-9. As particularly illustrated in FIG. 11C, thepassageway 1000 is retracted over the airport apron 1108 or pier surface1118 from the arcuate paths 1101, 1103 to an aligned path orconfiguration 1105 for stowing, as described with reference to FIGS.1-9. As further illustrated in FIG. 11C, the entrance to the gate 1102,1112 of the terminal 1104, 1114 can be closed when the passageway 1000is stowed.

FIGS. 12A-12D illustrate example operation of the passageway extendedalong several example paths 1201, 1203, 1205, 1207 between an airportterminal 1104 and an airplane 1106 for boarding and deplaning accordingto FIGS. 1-11C.

As particularly illustrated in FIGS. 12A-12D, the passageway 1000 canpermit safe and efficient boarding and deplaning at the ground-level(e.g., airport apron or tarmac 1108) to the airport terminal 1104. Asillustrated, the airplane 1106 is parked at certain distances from theairport terminal 1104 and at various angles 1202, 1204, 1206, 1208 tothe airport terminal 1104. Similarly, the airplane 1106 can be parked ata variety of locations and orientations with respect to the airportterminal 1104.

The passageway 1000 is extended from the entrance to the gate of theairport terminal 1104 along arcuate pathways 1201, 1203, 1205, 1207 tothe stairway 1110 of the airplane 1106, allowing passengers to board anddeplane the airplane using the passageway 1000 and the stairway 1110.The passengers can enter the airport terminal 1104 from the passageway1000, and can exit the airport terminal 1104 to the passageway 1000, asillustrated in FIGS. 12A-12D. Accordingly, the passageway 1000 providescontainment, safety, and security to passengers between the airplane1106 and the airport terminal 1104, mitigating exposure to outsideweather, while also complying with airport regulations concerningcontainment of passengers over the airport apron. Upon completion of theboarding and deplaning, the passageway 1000 can be retracted partiallyor fully, as illustrated in the example FIG. 11C.

It is noted that airplanes, such as airplane 1106, can be positioned onthe apron or tarmac 1108 at different distances and orientations withrespect to the entrance to the gate of the airport terminal, and thepassageway 1000 is enabled via its component sections (e.g., sections102-106) to extend to the various distances and along various arcs orpaths in order to couple or interface with arriving and/or departingairplanes. After conclusion of boarding or deplaning, the componentsections of the passageway 1000 can be retracted for stowing.

In operation of the passageway 1000, the scissor bar assemblies 114,slide track assemblies 218, 220, and mating members 209, 211 allow thepassageway 1000 to extend and retract over a number ofextensions-retraction cycles, mitigating alignment problems and thus themalfunction (jamming and binding) of the passageway 1000.

Moreover, the passageway 1000 improves customer service for groundboarding and deplaning of airline passengers, as well as groundembarking and disembarking of vessel passengers. The passageway 1000 canbe manually deployable without a motorized ground equipment, or amotorized drive unit (e.g., FIGS. 10A-12D) can be provided and securedto the airplane/vessel section 1108 using one or more brackets (notshown) for a more automated extension and/or retraction. The passageway1000 can be extended and/or retracted multiple times over straight orvarious arcuate paths to accommodate the different alignments ofairplanes 1106 on the apron or tarmac 1108, as well as differentalignments of vessels 1116 to the pier surface 1118.

The passageway 1000 offers protective outer covering made of one or acombination of materials (e.g., vinyl, nylon, other material, orcombination of materials). The material(s) offer(s) considerable weatherprotection. In some implementations, the passageway 1000 can also beequipped with aluminum roof panels and clear sides, which can beinstalled over the frames structures 204, 206 of one or more sections ofthe passageway, once the passageway 1000 is installed. This can help toprovide additional protection in severe weather conditions. Thepassageway can be fabricated from aluminum or other material (e.g.,stainless steel) to meet certain rules and/or regulations for groundequipment.

In the foregoing, there has been described a passageway that mitigatesalignment problems over multiplicity of extensions-retraction cycles,permitting extension along various paths to interface witharriving/departing airplanes and/or vessels, as well as permittingretraction for stowing. Although specific example embodiments have beendescribed, it will be evident that various modifications and changes maybe made to these embodiments without departing from the broader scope ofthe invention. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to beregarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. Theaccompanying drawings that form a part hereof, show by way ofillustration, and not of limitation, specific embodiments in which thesubject matter may be practiced. The embodiments illustrated aredescribed in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art topractice the teachings disclosed herein. Other embodiments may beutilized and derived therefrom, such that structural and logicalsubstitutions and changes may be made without departing from the scopeof this disclosure. This Detailed Description, therefore, is not to betaken in a limiting sense, and the scope of various embodiments isdefined only by the appended claims, along with the full range ofequivalents to which such claims are entitled.

Such embodiments of the inventive subject matter may be referred toherein, individually and/or collectively, by the term “invention” merelyfor convenience and without intending to voluntarily limit the scope ofthis application to any single invention or inventive concept if morethan one is in fact disclosed. Thus, although specific embodiments havebeen illustrated and described herein, it should be appreciated that anyarrangement calculated to achieve the same purpose may be substitutedfor the specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to coverany and all adaptations or variations of various embodiments.Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments notspecifically described herein, will be apparent to those of skill in theart upon reviewing the above description.

The Abstract is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. § 1.72(b) and willallow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature and gist of thetechnical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that itwill not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of theclaims.

In the foregoing description of the embodiments, various features aregrouped together in a single embodiment for the purpose of streamliningthe disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted asreflecting that the claimed embodiments have more features than areexpressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claimsreflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of asingle disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are herebyincorporated into the Description of the Embodiments, with each claimstanding on its own as a separate example embodiment.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A passageway comprising a plurality ofsections, the sections comprising at least one section that isextendable and retractable, the at least one section comprising: a framestructure comprising a pair of upright members on a first side of theframe structure; a pair of slide track assemblies disposed proximatelyto the respective pair of the upright members on the first side of theframe structure, each of the slide track assemblies comprising a slidetrack and a slide block, the slide track having a cavity and a channel,the slide block configured to ascend, descend, and rotate within thecavity, the slide block including a guide block that extends from theslide block at least partially through the channel; and a scissor barassembly secured rotatably and pivotably to the pair of upright membersand secured pivotably to slide blocks of the pair of slide trackassemblies such that the pair of upright members is enabled to extendand retract with respect to each other along at least one arcuate pathof the passageway, wherein the guide block limits rotation of the slideblock within the slide track to rotation of the guide block within thechannel.
 2. The passageway of claim 1, wherein the slide track isdefined by a back wall, perpendicular sidewalls, and angled sidewallsthat extend toward each other from the perpendicular sidewalls, whereinthe angled sidewalls define the channel.
 3. The passageway of claim 1,wherein the slide block has a generally round cross-section.
 4. Thepassageway of claim 1, wherein the slide block comprises an alignmentguide block, the alignment guide block comprising an arm and the guideblock that is secured to the arm, the arm being secured within thechannel of the slide block.
 5. The passageway of claim 1, wherein thescissor bar assembly comprises at least one scissor bar, the at leastone scissor bar comprising a first connector and a second connector. 6.The passageway of claim 5, wherein the first connector is securedpivotably within a channel of the slide block.
 7. The passageway ofclaim 5, wherein the at least one section comprises a connection device,the connection device configured to secure the second connectorrotatably and pivotably to an upright member.
 8. The passageway of claim7, wherein the connection device comprises a lock nut having a domed endabout which the second connector rotates and pivots in relation to theupright member.
 9. The passageway of claim 1, wherein the pair ofupright members comprises a respective pair of reciprocal matingmembers.
 10. The passageway of claim 9, wherein the reciprocal matingmembers comprise: a first mating member that comprises a back, flaredsides, and an arcuate receiving recess; and a second mating member thatcomprises a back, flared sides, and an arcuate protrusion, wherein thearcuate protrusion is enabled to align with the arcuate receivingrecess.
 11. The passageway of claim 10, wherein the second mating membercomprises a band that extends at least partially along the arcuateprotrusion, the band configured to interface with the arcuate receivingrecess of the first mating member.
 12. The passageway of claim 9,wherein at least one section comprises a pair of wheel assembliessecured to the respective pair of reciprocal mating members.
 13. Thepassageway of claim 1, wherein the frame structure further comprises: asecond pair of upright members on a second side of the frame structure;and an arch member secured to an upright member of the pair and anupright member of the second pair, the arch member comprising aplurality of curved sections and a plurality of corresponding notchedsections, the curved sections extending along a top portion of the archmember and the notched sections extending along a bottom portion of thearch member, wherein the notched sections are welded to providestiffness to the arch member and mitigate splay of the upright member ofthe first pair with respect to the upright member of the second pair.14. The passageway of claim 1, wherein the slide track includes anopening along a height of the slide track, the slide block includes anaperture, and a pin is configured to be received through the opening andthe aperture in order to secure the scissor bar assembly in aconfiguration along the height of the slide track.
 15. The passageway ofclaim 1, wherein the scissor bar assembly comprises a first scissor barand a second scissor bar, the first scissor bar having a first recessedsection and the second bar having a reciprocal second recessed section,the first recessed section secured to the second recessed section toprovide flexure and deflection to the scissor bar assembly.
 16. Thepassageway of claim 1, wherein the at least one section comprises acanopy.
 17. The passageway of claim 16, wherein material of the canopyis translucent or opaque.
 18. The passageway of claim 16, wherein thecanopy comprises one or more sections.
 19. The passageway of claim 18,wherein material of at least one of the sections of the canopy istranslucent or opaque.
 20. The passageway of claim 1, wherein the atleast one section of the passageway comprises a curtain assembly securedto the pair of upright members, the curtain assembly extendable andretractable with extension and retraction of the pair of uprightmembers.